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Course profile

Dissertation (SLAT7853)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
6
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Languages & Cultures School

A #6 course for students who intend to undertake a postgraduate research degree.

SLAT7853 is a research dissertation which is taken in the last semester of study. The dissertation will address a language-, linguistics-, or culture-focused topic, and will be designed so as to be feasible within the given time constraints.

PREPARATION - BEFORE ENROLMENT ONTO SLAT7853

1. Prepare a draft research proposal outlining the topic area, methodology and goals.

2. Informally discuss your proposed research with a potential supervisor;

3. Complete an expression of interest form (EOI) when prompted by the SLAT7853 Course Coordinator

4. If you are assigned a supervisor, secure ethical clearance and prepare any data-collection instruments (survey, etc.).

5. If your ethics application is successful, your enrolment will then be finalised. You will be enrolled towards the beginning of the semester.

6. Data collection should be done before the semester of enrolment, or at the latest shortly after the semester starts.

Course requirements

Assumed background

The student should have a GPA of at least a 6, including at least a 6 in SLAT7806 Research Methods. Admission is discretionary according to supervisor's interest and permission.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

SLAT7806

Course staff

Course coordinator

Lecturer

Timetable

Additional timetable information

Aside from an induction meeting at the beginning of the semester, all contact/meeting arrangements must be negotiated between supervisee/supervisor at the start of the semester.ᅠ

To create equity among students with different supervisors, students should be made aware that supervisors are awarded 2 hours per week to supervise students, and that supervisors are not to be expected to read and comment on multiple complete drafts of student's work. Students are reminded that all research work and analysis should be completed by the student themselves, and not the supervisor.

Aims and outcomes

SLAT7853 aims to provide an opportunity for students to concentrate on a specific topic and to develop it in depth. The dissertation may provide a means of bringing together and rounding off coursework MA studies; or it may provide a springboard for later research degrees and initiatives; or both. Students will work under the supervision of an academic staff member to develop and refine their research capacity.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

approach research tasks with critical awareness

LO2.

identify the relevant bibliography and materials

LO3.

identify an appropriate methodology

LO4.

identify appropriate theoretical frameworks

LO5.

conceptualise and plan the project

LO6.

organise and argue in an academically professional manner

LO7.

write in an academically professional manner

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Presentation SLAT7853 Thesis Presentation
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
Complete/Incomplete

16/09/2024 - 30/09/2024

Thesis Dissertation
  • Online
100%

4/11/2024 4:00 pm

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

SLAT7853 Thesis Presentation

  • Hurdle
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Presentation
Weight
Complete/Incomplete
Due date

16/09/2024 - 30/09/2024

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

SLAT7853 students must give a 15-minute presentation (+ 5 minutes for comments/questions) on their dissertation topic in Weeks 9 and/or 10.

All the presentations will be done live.

The sign-on link will be provided in the Assessment folder in Week 4 (an announcement will be made a couple of days prior to that). The sign-on will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

On a Monday in the week of your presentation, you will need to submit a 300-word abstract, excluding references (please submit the abstract to the course coordinator via email and add SLAT7853 presentation abstract in the subject line of that email).

Your presentation should include:

  • Motivation of your project
  • Description of your topic/phenomenon
  • Literature review
  • Data and methodology
  • Preliminary data analysis/results.


Gen AI and MT Statement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task.. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

While this Presentation is not assessed, i.e., it does not have % weighting on students' overall mark for this course, all students must complete it.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Presentations are scheduled to take place over a period of two weeks. No extensions will be granted as all students will have to present their dissertation project in person with a public audience.

Dissertation

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Thesis
Weight
100%
Due date

4/11/2024 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

You need to submit an original research-focused dissertation on a language- or culture-related issue or topic. The thesis length required is 10,000 words, including figures, tables, footnotes, but excluding references and appendices. Theses longer than 12,000 words will be penalised. The thesis should encompass the following sections, allowing for some variation based on your specific research area:

Introduction (including rationale)

·        Clearly articulate the purpose and significance of your research.

·        Provide a strong rationale for the chosen topic.

·        Detail relevant concepts.

·        Describe and exemplify the phenomenon you are investigating (if applicable).

·        Provide the reader with a short description of the structure of your thesis.

Literature Review

·        Present a comprehensive review of relevant literature.

·        Try the existing research to your research objective.

·        Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of existing research in your field.

·        Ensure smooth transitions between themes and sections.

·        Conclude the literature review with a clear and specific statement of your research question(s), grounded in and motivated by existing research.

Data and Methods

·        Outline the data collection process and methodologies employed.

·        Provide detailed insights into your research design.

·        Clearly describe the data and the data processing or selection of examples as well as the analysis.

Results & Discussion/Analysis & Discussion

·        Present your findings, supported by figures and tables where applicable.

·        Interpret the results in light of the existing, relevant literature.

·        Engage in a thorough discussion or analysis of the results.

·        Optionally, these can be presented as separate sections.

Conclusions

·        Summarize key findings.

·        Evaluate any shortcomings or limitations of your study.

·        Discuss the broader implications and potential avenues for future research.

Formatting Information

The thesis must align with the Dissertation template that will be made available via UQ Learn/Blackboard. Referencing must align with the APA7 (American Psychological Association) format protocol. While basic details may be found on the UQ Library site at http://www.library.uq.edu.au/training/citation/apa.pdf, for a thorough understanding of the protocol, refer to the American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, which is held in the library, call number Z253 .A38 2010.

Any reference you use in your text MUST be cited appropriately (APA7 format) in the bibliography section of your thesis. NO OTHER references are to be put in the bibliography.

Marking Information

·        The dissertation will undergo evaluation by two examiners.

·        The supervisor will receive and discuss examiners' reports during a meeting.

·        The supervisor may address any concerns raised by the examiners.

·        Students are encouraged to engage in discussions with the supervisor, either face-to-face or via email, to gain insights into their results.

Please refer to the rubic (available via Blackboard/UQ Learn) for details on marking.

Gen AI and MT Statement

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Submission via Turnitin. The link will be made available on UQ Learn/Blackboard. Please neame the submitted thesis according to the following schema: "SLAT7853_Dissertation_YOURNAME".

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 24

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student has not submitted the thesis by the specified date.

2 (Fail) 25 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student has not completed the thesis satisfactorily. The conceptualization of the topic is not sufficiently focused or specific, and/or the methodology is inappropriate or poorly applied, and/or the literature is insufficiently researched and interpreted, and/or the analysis is inconclusive, and/or the academic writing is not at a sufficient level.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. While the student has made some attempt at an appropriate conceptualization of the topic, methodology, literature review and analysis, the thesis as a whole is inconclusive and fails to reach the minimal standards for a pass.

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student has written an adequate thesis. The literature review covers the area, but not in great depth or breadth. The methodology is suitable to the research, but lacks clarity and consistency, and is not applied with real rigour. The analysis of the findings is just adequate, but its outcomes are modest. The discussion and conclusion lack depth and understanding of the findings. Academic writing is adequate. Referencing is adequate but restricted.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student has written an adequate thesis. The literature review covers key references in the area of study, but does not give evidence of significant wider search or critique. The methodology is suitable to the research questions, and is applied with some consistency. The analysis of the findings is satisfactory, but fails to reveal deeper levels of understanding. The discussion and conclusion are consistent but not really incisive. The thesis is generally properly formatted and referenced, following the APA7 guidelines.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student has written a clear and useful thesis. The literature review has covered the area of study with up to date references and shows evidence of some wider independent investigation. The methodology has been explained carefully and clearly and is appropriate, and is applied with some rigour and perception. The analysis is thorough and well written and shows signs of enhanced understanding. The discussion is clear and develops the themes identified.The conclusions are appropriate to the research findings and cogently presented. The thesis is properly formatted and referenced, following the APA7 guidelines.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student has written an excellent thesis. The literature review has covered the area of study thoroughly with up to date and seminal references, and shows wider investigation, originality and critique. The methodology has been explained carefully and clearly, and has been designed well to answer the research questions; it is consisently and cogently applied. The analysis has been done clearly and incisively. The discussion has been written with flair and thoroughly explains the research findings, showing evidence of enhanced understanding and perception. Thoughtful and useful conclusions have been drawn, showing some originality, and approaching the level of publishable quality. The thesis is properly formatted and referenced, following the APA7 guidelines.

Additional course grading information

Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course. 

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

STATEMENT ON HELP WITH ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments submitted should be the work of the student and the student alone. This means that students are NOT to seek unauthorised outside help (which may include help from other students, teachers, private tutors, ghost writers, native speakers, or non-referenced electronic translation software such as Google Translate, etc.) either in the preparation of assignments or in checking for errors before assignments are submitted. Cases where students are suspected of having used outside help will be referred to the ᅠSchool of Languages and Cultures Integrity Officer for further investigation. Students who use outside help may be found guilty of academic misconduct which can attract significant penalties.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

All resources will be made available via UQ Learn/Blackboard.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks
Not Timetabled

Supervised research

Students will undertake supervised research in a specified area of Applied Linguistics.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Additional learning activity information

SLAT7853 is a dissertation undertaken under the supervision of an academic staff member. Students are responsible for conceptualizing, developing and delivering a completed piece of research. Dissertations involving data collection will need to begin the ethical approval process before the semester in which the student formally enrols for SLAT7853.


FOR ALL SLAT7853 STUDENTS - SEMINAR PRESENTATION

Students will be scheduled to give a 15 minute work-in-progress presentation in Weeks 9 and/or 10.

 

DRAFT CHAPTERS (Week 6)

In addition to the seminar presentation, students are encouraged to start writing chapter drafts early in the semester. While not compulsory and at the discretion of the supervisor, students are strongly recommended to submit a 2500-3000 word document to their supervisor including drafts of the literature review and the methodology chapter by week 6. This will not be marked, but is used to encourage the students to develop their ideas in writing in a timely fashion.


FINAL SUBMISSION

An electronic version of the entire dissertation, including appendices and cover sheets, should be submitted to the course coordinator by email.


LENGTH

The thesis length required is 10,000 words, including figures, tables, footnotes, but excluding references and appendices. Theses longer than 12,000 words will be penalised.


FORMATTING YOUR THESIS

The thesis must use the APA7 (American Psychological Association) format protocol. While basic details may be found on the UQ Library site at http://www.library.uq.edu.au/training/citation/apa.pdf, for a thorough understanding of the protocol, refer to the American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, which is held in the library, call number Z253 .A38 2010.


Any reference you use in your text MUST be cited appropriately (APA7 format) in the bibliography section of your thesis. NO OTHER references are to be put in the bibliography.


FURTHER STUDIES

A score of 6 or greater in SLAT7853 meets the requirements for application for the PhD program at the University of Queensland (25% of the assessed work in a coursework master's-level qualification). It may not meet such requirements at other universities.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.